social security

noun

1

: the principle or practice or a program of public provision (as through social insurance or assistance) for the economic security and social welfare of the individual and his or her family

especially, Social Security : a U.S. government program established in 1935 to include old-age and survivors insurance, contributions to state unemployment insurance, and old-age assistance

2

: money paid out through a social security program

began collecting social security

Examples of social security in a Sentence

She is living on social security.

He began collecting Social Security checks.

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers discovered that these snapshots inadvertently stored personal information including credit card details, social security numbers and the contents of private conversations, potentially exposing them to security breaches. —Bernard Marr, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025

From social security numbers to credit card details, every bit of personal information is potentially vulnerable. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 4 Jan. 2025

All federal offices, including courts, post offices, social security offices and others, will be closed. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 30 Dec. 2024

Be wary of providing social security numbers to anyone who initiates the communication leading up to this request. —David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

social security

noun

1

: the idea or system by which the public provides for the security of individuals and their families

2

capitalized both Ss : a U.S. government program established in 1935 to include old-age and survivors insurance, contributions to state unemployment insurance, and old-age assistance

Legal Definition

social security

noun

1

: the principle or practice or a program of public provision (as through social insurance or assistance) for the economic security and social welfare of the individual and his or her family

especially, often capitalized both Ss : a U.S. government program established in 1935 to include old-age and survivors insurance, contributions to state unemployment insurance, and old-age assistance

2

: money paid out through a social security program

collects social security

see also Social Security Act, Social Security Administration